WHO to undergo major overhaul and lay-offs amid US funding cuts
The UN health agency is bracing itself for the planned full withdrawal of the US – traditionally its largest donor by far.
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Swimmer missing after reported shark attack off Israel’s coast
Shark sightings in the area are common, but this is the first attack reported in the country for decades.
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US Treasury chief says that tariff war with China is unsustainable and he expects it to ease
Scott Bessent says negotiations with Beijing have not yet started but that a deal is possible; markets surge on report.
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Hong Kong exhibition commemorating late tycoon Lee Shau-kee to open on May 1
Free event will be held from May 1 to 5 at Cloud 39, the rooftop ballroom of The Henderson building in Central.
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China’s KJ-500 radar aircraft overseas for first time in joint drill with Egypt
It follows confirmation that Egyptian military is using Chinese HQ-9B missile system, as Beijing pursues closer defence ties with the region.
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China’s humanoid robot half-marathon puts technology’s limits on public display
Videos of robots falling, trembling and struggling to stay upright circulated widely, with only six out of 21 finishing the race.
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Thailand-US tariff talks delayed, but hopes for ‘good outcome’ remain
Ministerial-level discussions, originally slated for this week, have been pushed back as Thailand seeks to avoid a hefty 36 per cent tariff.
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China’s J-36 design team unveils aircraft carrier landing system for sixth-gen stealth jet
Chengdu engineers achieve uncanny precision in extreme weather with system that shares control with pilot, study said.
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Hong Kong’s MTR Corp proposes 9.4% Airport Express fare increase
Single journey ticket for adults using an Octopus card will cost HK$120 at most under proposal, up from current HK$110.
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Kristi Noem’s bag containing US$3,000 in cash, access pass, bank cards stolen from eatery
The US Secret Service is investigating the incident that happened at a popular restaurant in Washington DC.
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Police start using video at 4 Hong Kong junctions to penalise errant drivers
‘We will focus on driving behaviours that can cause traffic accidents and serious road blockage, such as stopping their vehicles in restricted areas,’ force says.
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Puan Noor Aishah, wife of Singapore’s first president, dies aged 91
Tributes have poured in for Puan Noor Aishah, the widow of Yusof Ishak, remembered for her grace, humility and dedication to Singapore.
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Malaysian teen has seizure after vaping, reignites debate on device ban
Only two states have imposed a blanket ban on e-cigarettes and vapes so far, as the health ministry flip-flops on a decision.
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Mexico’s Sheinbaum asks TV stations to pull ‘discriminatory’ US anti-immigration ad
In ad, US homeland security chief Kristi Noem warns migrants who commit crimes ‘we will hunt you down’ because ‘criminals are not welcome’.
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Pope Francis’ death mourned globally by Russia’s Putin, UK’s King Charles, France’s Macron
World leaders praised Pope Francis for his compassion, peace efforts, and interfaith dialogue, leaving a legacy of justice and humility.
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Hongkongers settling in Taiwan to undergo ‘observation period’
Taiwanese minister Chiu Chui-cheng says security requirements should be bolstered for Hongkongers applying for residency.
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JD.com vs Meituan: accusations of monopolistic practices arise in food delivery rivalry
In a public letter, JD.com accused a ‘rival platform’ of preventing delivery riders from using multiple platforms, for which Meituan was fined in 2021.
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China says Trump trade tactics will backfire, like ‘bargaining with a tiger for its skin’
Ministry of Commerce calls for countries to resist US trade coercion after report said Washington asked them to curb economic ties with China in exchange for tariff relief.
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Hong Kong e-commerce, US consumers expected to bear brunt of DHL service suspension
DHL has suspended business-to-consumer US-bound shipments worth more than US$800 due to Trump tariffs.
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Malaysia Airlines looks to profit from China’s Boeing halt
Malaysia’s national carrier is reportedly in talks to snap up delivery slots vacated by Chinese airlines amid trade tensions with the US.
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